The Lake County Coroner’s Office released the identity of a man killed in a three-alarm fire near Lake Zurich.
Sherman Della, 73, died in the Nov. 9 fire on Rosewood Lane in Hawthorn Woods. The coroner’s office said it made the formal identification through dental records.
Della’s body was found the day after the fire gutted the house when crews returned to clear debris and pump water out of the basement.
Authorities said Della had been a resident of the house, but had not been living there recently. Two other residents were accounted for, firefighters said.
Firefighters were called to the house at around 3:10 p.m. and found the house engulfed in flames and smoke. The Lake Zurich Fire Department eventually activated a third alarm to seek aid in fighting the blaze.
Firefighters were hampered by the lack of water in the neighborhood, which does not have fire hydrants.
Outstanding ASA
The chief of the Traffic and Misdemeanor Division at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office was recently honored by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists.
John Brown was recognized with the Outstanding Assistant State’s Attorney Award during AAIM’s annual benefit in October.
“John Brown’s leadership in the DUI unit and the collaboration between AAIM and the Lake County State Attorney’s Office are vital in holding impaired drivers accountable, benefiting crash victims and increasing roadway safety,” AAIM Executive Director Rita Kreslin said. “His dedicated work exemplifies a strong commitment to justice, making our community safer.”
“John Brown is a fantastic leader within the office,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “He is a committed public servant and teacher for those attorneys who are just starting their careers. I am proud of John for receiving this important award and for executing the office’s vision of keeping our roads and communities safe.”
Selling alcohol to minors
The Lake County Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force said it checked 158 businesses around the county this fall for compliance with liquor sales law.
The task force, along with local police, sent minors into stores to see if they could purchase alcohol. Of the 158 businesses, seven sold alcohol even though the minors’ IDs showed they were not at least 21 years of age. Three of the establishments were in the Barrington area, according to the task force.
“Consistency from community to community and monitoring underage drinking issues will help us be successful in addressing this problem and saving lives,” said Steve Husak, who is task force chairman as well as the Lake Zurich police chief.
“Our desire is to see 100% compliance, but it is refreshing to see the majority of businesses realize the seriousness of this issue and not sell alcohol to the underage participants,” he said.
The task force is made up of a diverse group of citizens, including community members, school officials, parents, law enforcement personnel and other professionals.
K-9 vest
Wauconda’s police dog Skye will be better protected thanks to the donation of a ballistic vest.
The donation was made by Chris Toussaint, in memory of his brother, Eugene Toussaint Jr., a Wauconda resident who died on Veterans Day 2023. Toussaint was a Navy and Vietnam War veteran, and a German Shepherd aficionado.
“This type of generosity stems directly from the outstanding police/community relationship the Wauconda Police Department has with our community,” Police Chief David Wermes said.